Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of pregnant women who undergo elective cesarean section under subarachnoid block.

Method: This randomized Controlled trial (RCT) study was carried out at Obstetric Operation Theatre under supervision of Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, BSMMU from 12 months. A total of 90 parturient admitted for elective caesarean section in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of BSMMU were included in the study divided into two groups. Where Group P was the phenylephrine group and Group E was the ephedrine group. Each group had sample size of 45.

Results: During the study, in group P, 64.4% belong to 21-30 years age group, 26.7% belong to 31-39 years age group and only 8.9% belong to ≤20years age group. Whereas in group E quite similar results were found where 73.3% belong to 21-30 years age group, 22.2% belong to 31-39 years age group and only 4.4% belong to ≤20years age group. Mean heart rate was higher in group E than group P. Heart rate was very highly statistically significant at 3 minutes, 6 minutes, 9 minutes, 12minutes before delivery, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes after delivery. Mean systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in group P than group E. systolic blood pressure was statistically significant at baseline, 3 minutes, 6 minutes, 9 minutes, 12 minutes before delivery and at 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes after delivery. But it was statistically not significant at 15 minutes before delivery and 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes and 50 minutes after delivery.

Conclusion: Subarachnoid (spinal) block is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia involving the lower extremities and surgeries below the umbilicus. Further studies are needed for better outcome.

Keywords: Elective cesarean section, Subarachnoid block (SAB), anaesthetic technique.

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Pooja Bhari

MD Phase B Anaesthesia Resident, Department of Anaesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh